Denver, CO
Denver shelter where child fell several stories from window has a history of broken window locks
The Denver building where an 11-year-old girl was injured after falling several stories from an open window on Monday has a history of broken window locks, according to city officials and legal letters sent to the Salvation Army.
A resident at Denver’s Tamarac Family Shelter reached out to Darren O’Connor — a Colorado-based attorney who focuses on family law, civil rights and eviction tenant representation — early last year because water was seeping into his family’s unit and causing mold to grow in the carpet, O’Connor said.
The leakage was traced to an unsealed, sliding glass window that wouldn’t close entirely or lock, which concerned the family with a crawling toddler, O’Connor said.
O’Connor described the issue as a “phenomenal risk of catastrophe” in a letter to the Salvation Army about the unit’s habitability in February 2024.
Throughout his investigation, O’Connor discovered that a large chunk of the building’s windows weren’t sealed and shelter residents were opening the already lock-broken windows or unscrewing them to cool off, he said. All of the windows led to tiny platforms with no railings to prevent a multi-story fall.
The family shelter at 7525 E. Hampden Ave. used to be an Embassy Suites hotel. The hotel removed the railings and locked window access to the balconies before the city bought the building, Denver Mayor Mike Johnston said during a Mayor-Council meeting on Tuesday.
“When we acquired it, we shored up the locks,” Johnston said. “We also put notices on every window in both English and Spanish saying ‘Do not open these sliding doors’.”
Some residents broke off the locks and opened the doors against that guidance, which is how Monday’s tragedy happened, he said.
It’s unknown if the 11-year-old girl has been released from the hospital. The Salvation Army previously said the girl was seven years old.
The cause of the fall is also unknown, but Derek Woodbury, a spokesperson for the city’s Department of Housing Stability, called the situation an “accidental falling” on Monday.
The Denver Police Department is investigating the incident. An unidentified spokesperson for the department said the girl suffered serious injuries when she fell from the seventh floor to a second-story rooftop but is expected to survive.
“The reason the balconies don’t have a fence is because you’re not supposed to get out there to begin with,” said Jon Ewing, a spokesperson for the city of Denver.
Ewing said the windows are screwed shut and shelter tenants sign an agreement not to open them. The screws are supposed to be inspected every week, but they’re certainly inspected at turnover by Salvation Army staff, Ewing said.
“You have to open them yourself … unless somebody didn’t notice that the window could still open,” Ewing said.
The Salvation Army did not respond to multiple requests for comment on Tuesday.
The windows open roughly four inches for ventilation, but the screws make it difficult for some, Ewing said. City officials are installing new fasteners in the shelter’s rooms to fix that issue and prevent tampering.
“What we’re doing today is making a permanent solution where we’re putting in bolts that can’t be manipulated with … regular screwdrivers that you can buy at the store to go even a step further,” Director of Denver’s Department of General Services Al Gardner said during the Mayor-Council meeting.
Staff also went through every room in the shelter to tighten the current window bolts and ensure the windows couldn’t open from the inside, Gardner said.
“All we care about is that the guests are safe,” Ewing said. “That’s why we have a family shelter. We screwed the window shut, we said don’t open the window, but that’s all we can do. We can’t be there 24/7.”
Ewing said residents can file maintenance requests to fix broken window locks, but O’Connor said getting Salvation Army to complete any repair requests was difficult and a case manager on site threatened to have his client discharged from the shelter.
The Colorado attorney said he had to threaten to take the Salvation Army to court before repairs on the window, a broken fridge and growing mold were made. Even then, the window was shut but not routinely checked.
O’Connor said his client faced ongoing issues with the management and ended up moving out of the shelter out of fear for his family’s safety.
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Originally Published:
Von Miller has made it abundantly clear that he would like to return to the Denver Broncos and finish his career where it started. Miller has made that fact known at every possible opportunity, including a Von’s Vision charity event on Wednesday.
“I would love to bring back those Super Bowl 50 vibes, love to assist, to be the vice president to Bo Nix, to Courtland Sutton,” Miller said. “I’ve been the guy and also I’ve been the vice president as well. I would love to contribute to us getting back to the glory land, to holding up that trophy.”
Miller went on to note that he has lobbied coach Sean Payton to sign him (Payton coached Miller at a flag football tournament earlier this year).
Unfortunately for Miller, it sounds like there are no plans for a potential reunion with his old club. The Denver Post‘s Luca Evans reported that “as of last week,” there have been no talks between the Broncos and Miller’s representatives about a potential contract.
With a crowded outside linebacker room, Denver seems unlikely to re-sign Miller, but the 37-year-old pass rusher said he will “for sure” play in 2026. After totaling nine sacks with the Washington Commanders last fall, Miller will probably be able to find a home as a rotational pass rusher, but it might not be with the Broncos.
Social: Follow Broncos Wire on Facebook and Twitter/X! Did you know: These 25 celebrities are Broncos fans.
Denver, CO
Denver Summit FC delays opening of Centennial Stadium, will play next 2 home games at Dick’s Sporting Goods Park
Denver Summit FC will play their next two home games at Dick’s Sporting Goods Park.
Colorado’s first professional women’s soccer team was hoping to be at their new training facility in Centennial by July, but team says recent rain delayed construction, so they need to push back by two weeks.
That means their July 3 and July 12 matches will be at Dick’s Sporting Goods Park in Commerce City.
Summit FC is hopeful to be at their stadium in Centennial for their July 18 game against the Portland Thorns.
Centennial Stadium will ultimately become Summit’s training facility. They’ll play their games there until 2028, when they hope to move into their official home stadium at the Santa Fe Yards at Broadway and I-25. The Santa Fe Yards stadium will have room for more than 14,000 fans.
Denver, CO
Denver Fashion Week Responds To Community Demand With Second Model Audition Date – 303 Magazine
Following overwhelming demand from aspiring models across Colorado, Denver Fashion Week (DFW) has announced a second round of model auditions for its upcoming Fall/Winter 2026 runway season.
According to DFW, the organization received a large number of emails and social media messages from models hoping for another opportunity to audition after the initial model auditions on May 17.
In response, DFW will host an additional audition date on August 9, giving fresh talent another chance to join one of Denver’s biggest fashion platforms.
Known for its commitment to inclusivity and community-driven casting, Denver Fashion Week is searching for both traditional and non-traditional models with strong runway presence, personality, and confidence.
Audition opportunities include:
- Male and female models ages 6–65+
- Kids and teen models ages 6–14
- Stylish moms and fashionable children for the “Mommy & Me” runway segment
DFW continues to emphasize its all-inclusive approach to casting and does not select talent based on race, religion, body type, height, age, or sexual orientation. Both agency-represented and independent models are encouraged to audition.
Model Workshop Recommended
For first-time runway talent or anyone looking to sharpen their walk and stage presence, DFW highly recommends attending its Model Workshop ahead of auditions. The workshop is designed to help prepare models for the runway experience and provide insight into what casting directors are looking for during Fashion Week. REGISTER HERE
Audition Schedule
11:00 AM — Mommy & Me
Moms + children ages 6–12
11:45 AM — Ages 14+
Models 5’4” and under
12:20 PM — Kids & Teens
Ages 6–14
1:00 PM — Ages 14+
Models 5’5”–5’7”
1:45 PM — Ages 14+
Models 5’8”–5’10”
2:30 PM — Ages 14+
Models 5’11” and taller
What To Wear
Models are encouraged to wear fitted clothing that allows the casting team to clearly view silhouette and movement.
Recommended attire includes:
- Black fitted tank top or t-shirt
- Skinny or fitted jeans
- Heels 3”+ for those auditioning in heels
- Natural hair
- Minimal makeup and jewelry
DFW also recommends avoiding loud accessories that may distract from the runway presentation.
Important Notes
Models who previously walked in Denver Fashion Week’s Spring 2026 season are not required to audition again.
No comp card is required, as DFW will take measurements, photos and video during auditions.
As Denver Fashion Week continues to expand its platform, the organization remains one of the few major regional fashion weeks actively prioritizing accessibility, diversity and opportunities for emerging talent.
Follow Denver Fashion Week on Instagram
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